7. Affordable and clean energy
Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today. Be it for jobs, security, climate change, food production or increasing incomes, access to energy for all is essential. Ensuring access to affordable, reliable and modern energy for all has come one step closer due to recent progress in electrification, particularly in LDCs, and improvements in industrial energy efficiency. However, national priorities and policy ambitions still need to be strengthened to put the world on track to meet the energy targets for 2030.
Read our stories to learn more about SDG Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy is supported by Energy Development Corporation
News
Based in Singapore, her role will involve promoting the American lender's position on climate and energy in Asia. JPMorgan was most recently in the spotlight for being among a slew of banks to exit the Net Zero Banking Alliance.
The renewables giant is shifting roles away from its regional headquarters to Japan, Australia and Taiwan, while relocating some functions to Malaysia to cut costs. However, the firm anticipates ending the year with a similar headcount.
A new law paving the way for the promotion of natural gas has been labelled an “insult” by climate campaigners.
Policy & Finance
Trump’s budget cuts throw US renewable energy jobs into doubt
Green energy tax credits have boosted US construction jobs and attracted younger workers, but could be on the chopping block.
Policy & Finance
Where is the money the EU promised workers to go green?
Opinion
Local communities and traditional Islamic boarding schools are pushing back on renewable energy projects that prioritise technical and economic benefits over social and ecological considerations.
Through recycling, R&D and diversifying imports as well as by facilitating a regional market for rare earth minerals, the dependence on the Chinese supply chain can be reduced.
Carbon & Climate
An intelligent trade-off: AI as a double-edged sword in Southeast Asia’s climate battle
Although artificial intelligence (AI) offers positive benefits for Southeast Asia’s climate battle, the region should not look at its usage through rose-tinted glasses. Without careful consideration, such systems may inadvertently undermine and be counterintuitive to the very climate goals that they aim to achieve.
Indonesia is among the 10 heaviest-hit countries by United States tariffs. Trade talks will mean balancing the US need for critical minerals and Indonesia's desire to develop its domestic processing industries.
Policy & Finance
Can COP30 succeed where COP29 failed?
Videos
Policy & Finance
Navigating uncertainty: AIA’s long-term bet on sustainable investing
In this wide-ranging fireside chat moderated by Eco-Business CEO Jessica Cheam, AIA Group's chief investment officer Dr Mark Konyn asserts there is “no U-turn” among corporates invested for the long term, even as political regimes change amid a new world order.
There is consensus that coal needs to be retired early in Asia, but the mechanisms for financing the phase-out are not clear. This mini-documentary examines how transition credits work and whether they can fund Southeast Asia's equitable switch to clean power.
After 20 years without electricity, more than 50 households in Cebu's poorest district have been provided with solar energy, financed by carbon offsets.
Vietnam's wind market is thriving, but more work lies ahead if the country wants to power its booming economy without imperilling its people and the planet.
Podcasts
Green Buildings
Inaction is not an option for companies in climate-vulnerable nations like India: Lodha ESG chief Aun Abdullah
In the latest episode of 'On the frontlines', the real estate giant's ESG head tells the EB Podcast that while there has been no pushback on climate action by corporate India, questions remain over whether the booming real estate sector is decarbonising fast enough.
The ESG head of the Philippine power company arm tells the EB Podcast that sustainability needs to be communicated not as a “progressive idea” but a business strategy that benefits the bottom line.
Carbon & Climate
Just another cost centre? CLP Power’s Hendrik Rosenthal on justifying sustainability in turbulent times
In the second episode of 'On the frontlines', power firm CLP's group sustainability director Rosenthal talks to the EB Podcast about the challenges of steering sustainability in a carbon-heavy industry, closing coal plants and the need for pragmatism.
Carbon & Climate
‘The problem is not that young people are eco-anxious. It’s that people in positions of power are not’: activist Clover Hogan
Eco-anxiety is a healthy psychological response, says 24-year-old activist Clover Hogan. The founder of nonprofit Force of Nature tells the Eco-Business Podcast how to respond to anxiety in a world that is "numb" to the climate crisis.
